Associated British Ports (ABP) has teamed up with France’s BrestPort, and Ireland’s Shannon Foynes port to establish the Global Floating Offshore Wind Ports Alliance (FLOW Ports Alliance).
FLOW Ports Alliance aims to attract more European gateways to collaborate on FLOW port design, standardisation, and best operational practices.
In the Celtic Sea, ABP is progressing plans to invest more than GBP500 million (USD658.67 million) in new and repurposed infrastructure at Port Talbot to create a hub for floating offshore wind energy projects.
In 2013, the Brittany Region launched a development plan for the port of Brest, aimed at welcoming and developing offshore energy-related industries by building new maritime infrastructures and developing available terminal areas. EUR250 million (USD329.35 million) has been allocated to the construction of the polder for its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Terminal. It comprises a 400 m-long quay dedicated to heavy lift operations and 50 ha-plus of surface area. It is already partially operational and expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Arnaud Le Roy, ORE Terminal development manager, BrestPort, said: “We look forward to working with ABP to share best practice around floating offshore wind. Our commitment to the sector is reflected in our plans to invest EUR900 million [USD1.19 billion] in developments heavily focusing on the energy transition, including establishing the port of Brest as a major player in floating wind.”
Shannon Foynes Port Company, meanwhile, has statutory responsibility for the maritime management of the 500 sq km Shannon Estuary and is well placed to become Ireland’s primary and one of Europe’s leading floating offshore wind assembly, staging and O&M hubs. This is owing to the estuary’s deep, sheltered waters, large available landbanks and proximity to the wind resource of the Atlantic.
“Participation in the FLOW Ports Alliance will help us deliver on this potential as we pool the collective insights and expertise of the leaders in this sector across Europe,” said Pat Keating, chief executive of Shannon Foynes Port Company.
HLPFI reported in September 2025 that ABP had made changes to its senior commercial team, meanwhile earlier this year BrestPort and SFPC formalised a strategic partnership with one another.
